When they saw the star— Dr. Doddridge reads a star or meteor; because, says he, no star could point out not only a town, but a particular house. The original, in the conclusion of this verse, is remarkably emphatical, They rejoiced with a joy which was exceeding great.
Matthew 2:11. And fell down and worshipped him— Prostrating themselves they adored him. Heylin. The original word for treasures signifies not only a collection of rarities and precious things, but also whatever serves to hold them. Here it signifies the vessels or boxes wherein these sages had put the presents they designed for the King of the Jews. It was the custom of their country to offer presents to the illustrious personages whom they came to visit, as appears from many passages of the Old Testament; (see Genesis 11:25. 1 Samuel 9:7-8; 1 Samuel 10:27. Psalms 72:10 and Proverbs 18:16.) and Maundrell, Chardin, and many other writers of the best credit, assure us, that the custom is yet retained. We cannot help noting how seasonable and providential an assistance this was to furnish Joseph and Mary for so long and expensivea journey as that into Egypt; a country where they were intirely strangers, and yet were to abide there for some considerable time. Several commentators have observed a significancy and propriety in these gifts; which, whether true or not, is at least ingenious. They offered him, say they, gold as a king, paying him tribute; frankincense as a god, for they honoured God with the smoke of incense; and myrrh, as a man who should die; for myrrh was used in embalming dead bodies. See Doddridge, Beausobre and Lenfant, and Henry.